Located in South Brooklyn, Coney Island is perhaps one of the most iconic spots in the borough. Featured in many movies, television shows, and other media forms, it is not just a popular tourist spot, but a fan favorite of many native New Yorkers. In addition to Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, it is also home to one of the most accessible public beaches in the NYC-area (you can take the N or D trains straight to the end).

We started the day off with parking at Coney Island Parking, which is right next to Maimonides Park and gives you direct access to the Boardwalk and the beach. It’s also right next to the Steeplechase Pier. The Pier gives you amazing views of Coney Island’s beach and amusement parks, including many iconic landmarks. Coney Island contains three rides with landmark status: the Wonder Wheel, the B&B Carousel, and the Coney Island Cyclone.

After walking the pier, there are basically two options: spend the day on the beach or explore Riegelmann Boardwalk, which is home to both amusement parks, long-standing restaurants and bars, and the New York Aquarium.

Both Luna Park and Deno Park sell their tickets separately, so make sure you check which rides you want to go on before purchasing too many tickets. I would recommend just purchasing enough tickets for the Wonder Wheel from Deno Park and then using the rest of your cash on Luna Park, which has the Cyclone and the Thunderbolt roller roasters.

If you’re a beach person, I highly recommend bringing towels, some shade, and cold beverages. Of course, there are tons of vendors walking along the beach offering umbrellas and all sorts of drinks, but I always love being prepared. The sand is pretty soft and the water is refreshing.

And of course, one can’t go to Coney Island without having either a corn dog or a Famous Nathan’s Hot Dog. You can grab a corn dog at Ruby’s, like we did, or you can visit the home of the annual hot dog eating contest for a hot dog.

If you’re in town for just a few days and have a long list to hit in New York City, I wouldn’t necessarily prioritize Coney Island. But if you’re a frequent visitor or a New Yorker looking for a new summer activity, I highly recommend spending the day here on this little peninsula.